Earning a Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing in Georgia provides nurses with the opportunity to advance their knowledge and career opportunities. Registered nurses that continue their education after earning a BSN enjoy a variety of benefits when they enroll in one of the MSN programs in Georgia.
Opportunities for Nurses that Complete an MSN Program in Georgia
Completing one of the MSN programs in Georgia potentially provides several benefits for nurses. Current registered nurses benefit from enhancing their skills to open doors for greater responsibilities, and career advancement.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) believes that nursing education has a crucial impact on the competencies and the knowledge of nurse clinicians. The AACN stresses the fact that more education brings greater opportunities for nurses, and that nurses with a master’s degree are in high demand. The association encourages all nurses to complete higher levels of education. Completing an MSN degree can lead to a career as a nurse manager, clinical educator, public health nurse, research assistant, and other advanced roles.
Top 5 MSN Programs in Georgia
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albany State University | Albany, Georgia |
| 2 | Clayton State University | Morrow, Georgia |
| 3 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, Georgia |
| 4 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia |
| 5 | Georgia College | Milledgeville, Georgia |
The salary increases when nurses graduate from one of the MSN programs in Georgia. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the median pay for registered nurses in 2019 was $73,330 per year. The median salary for nurses with a master’s degree was $115,800 per year.
The nursing shortage in Georgia is at critical levels, meaning that there is a great need for highly qualified nurses with advanced degrees in the state. These MSN programs in Georgia offer the education and training for registered nurses to advance their careers.
Please note that tuition covers only the cost of one credit hour of instruction, and does not include fees or other expenses.
Best 10 MSN Programs in Georgia
Albany State University
The MSN program at Albany State University builds on the BSN program, preparing highly knowledgeable students for a career in advanced clinical nursing. The program focuses on theory, research, critical thinking and communication skills, and evidence-based practices.
Students choose either a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration or a Nurse Educator (NE) concentration.
School Overview
Clayton State University
The Clayton State University MSN program with the Family Nurse Practitioner certificate concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice nurse (APN) roles. Nurses complete coursework and clinical requirements focus on the care of families, and on the care of adult, pediatric and geriatric patients.
The program curriculum focuses on comprehensive, holistic plans of care, critical thinking and communication skills, implementing advanced practice roles as primary providers within the nursing profession, using information technology in nursing, and demonstrating cultural competencies.
School Overview
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University offers a Master of Science in Nursing – Chronic Care Management Program and a Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education program for nurses that wish to advance their nursing education and career options. The MSN program with a focus on Chronic Care Management prepares students for careers in clinical management and healthcare outreach training.
The MSN in Nursing Education program prepares graduates for a nurse educator role including knowledge of curriculum design and development, learner-centered theories and methods, and contemporary nursing education approaches.
School Overview
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University offers a 40-credit-hour Master of Science in Nursing – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. Students complete core courses, primary care concentration courses, and 18 credit hours of residency, with an emphasis placed on precepted clinical experiences.
The university also offers a concentration in Nursing Education and in Nursing Administration.
Students are admitted to the program only during the fall semester.
School Overview
Georgia College
Georgia College offers an online MSN program with several concentration options. Coursework can be completed online, with clinical rotations completed in Georgia. Choose from the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, the Nurse-Midwifery concentration, professional Enrichment concentration, or other options.
Students have the option to complete the program on a full-time basis or part-time basis.
School Overview
University of West Georgia
The 100 percent online MSN program offered at the University of West Georgia allows busy students to earn their degrees while continuing to fulfill their work and family responsibilities. The university offers students the choice of Nursing Education or Health Systems Leadership tracks.
The innovative programs focus on theory, concepts, and skills. The MSN program provides students the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in health education and promotion, nursing education, patient-centered care, health policy, teaching, and professional development.
School Overview
Georgia State University
The 48-credit-hour MSN program offered by Georgia State University is offered as a distance education program. Nurses can continue with their work and family responsibilities while preparing to assume a variety of advanced practice registered nurse roles upon graduation from the program.
Students have the option to choose from the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, or the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
School Overview
Brenau University
The Brenau University MSN program allows students to choose from the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration or the Nurse Leadership and Management concentration. Both programs start only in the fall semester.
Students submit proof of current, unencumbered RN licensure and evidence of completion of a BSN as part of the admissions process.
School Overview
Mercer University
Mercer University nursing students that enroll in the MSN program have the opportunity to choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner track, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track, or an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track. Students prepare for their advanced career options as they learn to utilize research and develop nursing leadership skills through coursework and clinical experiences.
Students have the option of completing the program on a full-time or a part-time basis.
School Overview
Emory University
Emory University offers an outstanding variety of MSN programs that provides the student with the opportunity to select their preferred specialty. One program is the Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing Pre-Licensure plus MSN program. The program provides students with the opportunity to fast-track the path to becoming a nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife.
The four-semester program allows students to earn their MN in just 15 months, and to then immediately begin their required MSN coursework.
School Overview
Methodology
We developed our list of the best MSN programs in Georgia after narrowing the list of schools to those based on affordable tuition, and the fact that each school offers accredited MSN nursing programs.
Do you need help finding the right college or university? We can assist you, based on the program that you select.
Would you like to have your school included in our rankings? Please contact us, and we will be glad to help you.
